It seems like almost everyone I know suffers from allergies (also called hay fever) this time of year. Some people have year round allergies, but many suffer primarily in the spring time. The most common symptoms are runny nose, sneezing, watering itchy eyes, and fatigue. For some, symptoms can be so difficult that we actually look forward to the summer heat which kills off all of the flowering, and allergy producing vegetation, thereby giving much needed relief from symptoms.
Allergy season often sends you to the local pharmacy to stock up on antihistamines, decongestions, eye drops, nose sprays and other remedies available both over the counter and by prescription. Sometimes these medications work, sometimes they don’t and often there are side effects such as drowsiness, and dryness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, offers an alternative approach for the allergy sufferer. TCM explains allergies as a deficiency in the body’s internal vital energy called Wei Qi (pronounced way chee) also called Protective Qi. Wei Qi is essentially equivalent to the immune system.
How does your Wei Qi become deficient? The possibilities are many and are based on your individual body and life style. You may have been born with reduced Qi or you may have an illness which depletes Qi. You may have used up Qi by having a very busy winter or holiday season or by competing in a marathon or other intense physical activity. You may not have created adequate Qi which originates from the air we breathe and the food we eat. If your diet is less than optimal or the air you breathe is polluted you may not have created adequate Qi. Having a baby, working extra hard, every day stress, aging, even taking a vacation can tax your Qi.
According to TCM, allergic symptoms may also arise because of a more deeply rooted imbalance in your organ systems. The goal of the acupuncturist is to evaluate and treat your current symptoms as well as to strengthen and balance your body’s organs which may be at the root of the problem.
An acupuncturist will take a complete health history and will conduct a thorough exam and then develop a treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. Yes, acupuncture involves the use of needles, but they are nothing like the needles that are used for shots or blood draws. They are very fine, and when inserted by a trained acupuncturist, there is little to no discomfort. Patients come back to me over and over again, so I know I am able to make them comfortable when they come in for treatments.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is also a great option for some patients who suffer from allergies. Herbal medicines are made from a blend of plants that are well know and have been used for literally thousands of years. I always evaluate any medications a patient is taking to be sure there are no untoward interactions between the herbal and prescription medications.
For patients who complain of a continuous runny nose which may or may not include sinus pressure, I often recommend they use a Neti pot for nasal irrigation. This specially designed pot is available at any pharmacy and is invaluable for alleviating congestion as well as facial pain and pressure often associated with the sinuses. You can use the Neti pot alone, or in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture.
Many patients respond very well to acupuncture and or Chinese Medicine treatments for allergies and only need two or three treatments to see major improvements in their allergy symptoms. If you have any questions about your situation, please feel free to call me at the office.
Ann Rea, L.Ac.
Harmony and Health Acupuncture
2001 East Campbell Ave, Suite 102
Phoenix, Arizona 85016
602-955-5444
